Do People Know I’m A Witch?

I was recently asked how people react to my spiritual pursuit – i.e., Witchcraft. So I figured I’d answer here.

My in-laws (my partner’s parents, and his sisters and their husbands) – as far as I’m aware – are in-the-know about my interests. I’m almost sure they’re aware of WitchInTheBurbs.com and my book, The Spell In My Pocket. I’m almost certain that my Mom-in-law purchased a copy. Or was it one of the Sis-in-laws?

They don’t seem to react at all. It’s not something generally spoken about. I have a feeling they were raised the way I was raised –> religion is not something you talk about because it’s highly personal and (in many cases) should be a completely private thing.

I don’t know if Mom is aware of my practice. I know she wouldn’t be very accepting/tolerant of it if she were. While she’s much less hardcore on the topic of my sexuality, she is still a Christian. And some things just don’t fly, including the practice of Witchcraft.

Mom once saw a book I was reading, called The Buddha in the Mirror. She was none too pleased, and this was long after I’d become a grown adult with my own opinions and ideas. In fact, it was after I’d been practicing the Craft for nigh on 20 years. How I managed to keep it a secret I have no idea – unless she’s just not very observant. Hell, I wear my pentacle around her these days, along with a Pan ring.

I find that, most of the time, people just don’t ask. Or if they do ask, when they’re told, they just don’t think it’s a big deal. Occasionally, I’ll meet someone who says, “Are you gonna put a curse on me?” My standard answer is, “That depends on you – we’ll see.” Of course it’s followed by nervous laughter on their part, but I’m not giggling. It really does depend on how you treat me. I don’t willy-nilly curse folks – that’s not what I mean. What I mean is: don’t cross me and you’ll be just fine. “Do no harm, but take no shit.” And I definitely take shit from no one.

But let’s be honest – most of my friends and chosen family are Witches (or at least something similar), themselves!

Coworkers and friends who do know generally don’t care. It’s not like I’m quiet about it. I don’t purposefully hide my practice of the Craft. I have a “Goats in Trees” calendar on my wall, a stuffed Beanie-Baby goat on my computer and a Screaming Goat toy on my desk. I have a picture of Ganesha on my cubicle wall, a box of incense and an incense burner sitting beneath Him.

Oh … and let’s not forget the still-capture from an Addam’s Family scene where Fester and Morticia are standing in front of a family tomb. Morticia reads the inscription aloud:

And our credo: “Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.”

And then she interprets it: We gladly feast on those who would subdue us.